Stepping out of the earth cave, Ji An executed a hand seal to activate the Mimic Array, and the entrance transformed back into a mountain rock.

The two of them drove the clouds for a flying escape, the passionate red of the ground turning into a blue wave.

The leaves rustled, swaying in the wind like joyful applause.

Ji An introduced:

"The area with the most top-grade spirit plants is right here, with nineteen Jade Leaf Mulberry trees, four Biluo Trees, seven Azure Dragon Wood trees, and one Cloud-Top Jade tree."

"Do these spirit plants have the potential to be cultivated into tier two top-grade?"

That was what Daoist Master Zhengyang was most concerned about, as tier two top-grade spirit plants were the strategic resources most lacking in the sect.

The sect’s spiritual vein had already been upgraded to tier three lower grade, and top-grade resources would gradually become mainstream.

Ji An replied:

"The Azure Dragon Wood and Cloud-Top Jade tree have this possibility, but the potential of the other two kinds of spirit plants, top-grade, is already the limit."

If there was a slight chance for Red Cloud Pine to be upgraded to top-grade level, then Jade Leaf Mulberry and Biluo Fruit had absolutely no possibility.

The two talked as they continued to rise and fall in the spirit field.

Daoist Master Zhengyang checked the condition of each top-grade spirit plant, finally arriving at the Cloud-Top Jade tree.

He surveyed around, finally focusing on the lush leaves of the top-grade spirit tree, nodding in satisfaction:

"In the future, we should plant more spirit wood with greater potential; these tea trees are quite good."

Spirit plants that restore divine sense and nourish the spirit soul cannot be too numerous.

"I think the same. Once the Ghost Moon Cyan Jade tree and Cloud-Top Jade tree produce seeds, I’ll increase the cultivation of such spirit plants."

Ji An had long planned in his heart to do so, as spirit tea was his key to quickly opening the Divine Mansion.

After years of drinking Jade Dew Golden Bud Tea, his spiritual strength had long surpassed that of cultivators at the same tier.

The speed of opening the Earth Element Divine Mansion was nearly ten percent faster than opening the Fire Mansion, saving at least half a year’s time.

"If there are many seeds, you could send some to Diligence Hall, so other fellow disciples can plant them."

If each Foundation Establishment cultivator’s Dao Field planted a few tea trees, the sect’s spirit tea should be able to become self-sufficient in a few years.

Artifact Refiners, Alchemists, Talisman Makers, and other cultivators who expended divine sense could benefit from this.

Ji An nodded:

"I will."

He was not at all afraid of competition among peers; the spirit tea produced at Red Flame Peak was unmatched in both tier and quality across the Western Continent.

Daoist Master Zhengyang was even more satisfied, smiling:

"Where are the other two top-grade spirit plants?"

He had been counting the number in his mind, and now there were only forty-eight top-grade spirit plants.

Ji An pointed toward the Cold Pool, saying:

"Two top-grade spiritual peach trees, the tree species coming from the sect’s top-grade spiritual peach tree."

Daoist Master Zhengyang’s eyes revealed a nostalgic look, "Isn’t this the continuation of that top-grade spirit fruit tree’s life!"

...

After the tour, Ji An saw that the ancestor had no intention of leaving, and enthusiastically said:

"Ancestor, please come to the living room for a chat and taste the produce from Red Flame Peak."

If the leader doesn’t leave, a proper reception is required.

Daoist Master Zhengyang nodded and kindly said:

"I haven’t tasted earthly delicacies for so many years that I’ve forgotten the flavors; today’s lunch will be enjoyed here."

After breaking through to the Golden Core level, he gradually lost the desire for food, but today he suddenly had the urge to eat something.

"Certainly, it will satisfy the ancestor!"

Ji An led him to the living room, saying:

"Ancestor, please be seated for a moment while I notify the disciples to prepare the meal."

He hurriedly went out, found Wei Songtao, and said:

"Quickly notify Cuihua to first serve several cold dishes; take out five segments from each kind of middle-grade bamboo tube wine.

Then, use the best ingredients from Red Flame Peak to make a table of specialty dishes.

Ask Tian Tiezhu to come over and help out.

If you need to buy demon beast meat from Luoyan Mountain, you’ll have to make the trip."

He took out the flying shuttle and handed it to the other party.

"Alright."

Wei Songtao agreed, running off quickly.

He knew very well who had come—the sect leader, the Golden Core ancestor!

This was the second time he had seen the ancestor; how many Qi Refining disciples in the entire sect had this honor?

At this moment, he admired Ji An even more, who after breaking through to the Chao Origin Stage in just over a decade, could converse with the ancestor.

Ji An returned to the living room, accompanied the ancestor talking, recounting the stories of settling at Red Flame Peak.

Moments later, Zhang Cuihua walked in with a tray.

She carefully placed spiritual food on the table, such as pickled bamboo shoots, sauce-flavored wild beef, honey osmanthus cakes.

Wei Songtao followed behind her, placing down the sliced bamboo tubes.

"Alright, I’ll pour the wine, you go and help."

Ji An opened Pine Nut Wine and Mulberry Wine, pouring two cups of each.

If it weren’t for the Cyan Leaf Wine’s astringent taste, he would certainly have placed it on the table as well.

"Ancestor, taste the special spirit wine."

Daoist Master Zhengyang picked up the bamboo tube with interest, tapping it lightly with his fingers, "What makes the spirit wine brewed in this manner special?"

"Nurturing the spirit wine with the Wood Element Essence Qi from Clear Spirit Bamboo can make the wood and fire element spirit wines more fragrant and mellow.

Compared to ordinary cellar storage methods, this method can enhance the spiritual qi contained within it, increasing it by approximately thirty percent."

Ji An said, silently adding, ’It just takes a bit of Spirit Bamboo; besides Red Flame Peak, the sect doesn’t have the conditions elsewhere.’

These Spirit Bamboo are all Tier Two Spirit Bamboo, exclusive to the "wealthy".

"A very good idea," Daoist Master Zhengyang tasted each Spirit Wine, commenting:

"Good wine, back when I was a Chao Origin Stage Cultivator, my life was far less comfortable than yours."

When he broke through to Golden Core, the sect held a grand banquet, but the quality of the Spirit Wine used for the guests couldn’t match what he was drinking now.

Ji An grimaced, only able to scratch his head and smile sheepishly.

After a few casual chats, Daoist Master Zhengyang’s expression turned serious:

"I recall during the battle at Mingfeng Mountain, you were struck by the Golden Feathered Eagle Demon King’s Blood Transformation Soul-Chasing Curse?"

"Yes, while the demon calamity was ongoing, that Demon King often hovered outside the sect’s Mountain Protection Array.

Even after the Demon Beasts retreated, it would occasionally return.

However, ever since the sect slayed that Ninth-Layer Golden Core Demon Cultivator, the Blood Transformation Soul-Chasing Curse hasn’t been activated again."

Daoist Master Zhengyang nodded slightly and said:

"Now you have opened the Fire Element Divine Mansion; when you reach the Third Transformation of the Chao Origin Realm, you’ll need to open the Earth Element Divine Mansion.

At that time, you need to go out and eat Qi, but you’re not allowed to leave the sect until the Blood Transformation Soul-Chasing Curse is fully expended."

In fact, he hoped for this disciple to eat Qi within the sect, as it would be safer.

For the sect, this individual is incredibly important.

However, this person is a cultivator with the potential for reaching Golden Core, and without adequate trials of mental state, breaking through to Golden Core would be difficult.

Sometimes, one must let go.

Ji An introspected his body and glanced at the green patterns covering it, smiling:

"Thank you for your concern, ancestor. When I break through to the Third Transition of Chao Origin Realm, the Blood Transformation Soul-Chasing Curse should be completely worn away."

Since his Wood Mansion reached Perfection, numerous fine vein-like patterns have extended from his liver, drawing power from the soul curse and nourishing his Spirit Soul.

His Spirit Soul has grown as strong as it is now, in part thanks to the Demon King.

"So soon to wear it away?"

Daoist Master Zhengyang was somewhat doubtful and pursued:

"Are you sure?"

The power of the Blood Transformation Soul-Chasing Curse shouldn’t last such a short time.

Ji An solemnly nodded, explained the condition within his body thoroughly, and further stated:

"I’m certain; I wouldn’t joke with my life."

"Then that’s good. Before you leave the sect, visit Wuji Hall; I have some things to give you."

After a while, grilled fish, roasted meat, stews, and other dishes were served one by one; Daoist Master Zhengyang tasted each dish and couldn’t stop praising them.

During his travels in the Central Continent, he had eaten better spiritual food.

But within the sect, it was the first time experiencing such luxury, with a significant portion of the ingredients reaching Tier Two Middle Grade.

...

Daoist Master Zhengyang returned to Sunrise Peak and immediately sent a Communication Golden Sword, urgently summoning Jia Yu, Zhang Zizhao, and Lin Jiuxiao.

Once the disciples successively arrived at Wuji Hall, he solemnly said:

"Zizhao, bring Chu Huai’ge along to Red Flame Peak to survey the earth vein and devise a plan to enhance the quality of the spiritual vein, as quickly as possible.

Jia Yu, do not hesitate in providing any materials they need."

Lin Jiuxiao slightly nodded; he very much agreed with this decision, frequently drinking Cyan Leaf Wine as the rapid expansion of the Wood Element Divine Mansion satisfied him.

The richer Red Flame Peak directly benefits all the sect’s High-Tier Cultivators.

Zhang Zizhao’s expression slightly changed, cupping his hands said:

"Ancestor, individually enhancing the tier of a subsidiary vein requires a massive amount of resources. This decision implies the sect will need to invest a plethora of spiritual objects."

The spiritual vein at Red Flame Peak is dependent on the sect’s southern Main Spiritual Vein. If it’s not enhanced alongside the Main Spiritual Vein, it has to bear the cost of earth Qi continuously flowing into the Main Spiritual Vein.

This method, compared to normal means, would consume no less than hundreds of thousands of Lower Grade Spirit Stones annually.

Equivalent to hundreds of Top-grade Spirit Stones, it’s a huge burden.

Daoist Master Zhengyang gently shook his head, saying:

"It’s not that much; I’ve carefully sensed the earth vein condition at Red Flame Peak.

The power of Chao Origin Stage Techniques is far superior to what I anticipated; the earth vein is very robust, already in a state of overflowing Spiritual Qi towards the Main Spiritual Vein, clearly in a state of reciprocation."

Zhang Zizhao’s expression relaxed:

"In that case, it would be much more manageable; however, is it worthwhile?"

Daoist Master Zhengyang laughed heartily, "Absolutely worthwhile!"

He lowered his voice, recounting his observations at Red Flame Peak.

"Phoenix Wood, Soul Nourishing Wood, Cyan Leaf Red Lotus, Ghost Moon Cyan Jade Tree, Profound Leaf Sword Bamboo, these Spirit Plants are worth planting in better Spirit Fields.

Once the spiritual vein at Red Flame Peak is enhanced to Tier Two Upper Grade, I will decide whether to further upgrade the spiritual vein’s tier based on the situation."

Zhang Zizhao showed a look of excitement and announced loudly:

"I understand, ancestor. I will go with Huaige to Red Flame Peak tomorrow."

A Tier Four Treasure Plant, it’s the kind of legacy belonging to a Nascent Soul Sect.

If spending hundreds of thousands of Spirit Stones annually results in such a bright future, it’s cheap!

Jia Yu stated:

"I will go too, to understand the required materials firsthand and then promptly allocate resources."

The others are going to work, but his main purpose for going to Red Flame Peak is to enjoy some wine.

Daoist Master Zhengyang turned, saying:

"Jiuxiao, I command the Law Enforcement Hall to establish a sub-hall near Red Flame Peak, increasing the patrol scope and intensity on the sect’s western side."

"As you command."